I will follow.

Ben and I have just started a new bible study with our small group called Experiencing God by Blackaby. It has been a humbling and eye opening experience and we are only two weeks into the study so far. It has allowed for alot of self-reflection and examination of our relationships with God.

Some major points that have stood out to us are: 

- We always ask God for a detailed map of our lives. We say, "Lord, if You could just tell me where I am heading, then I will be able to set my course (or GPS :) and go." When actually we just need to follow God one day at a time. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. -- Much easier said than done, by the way.

-We are to daily search out God and find where he is working and go there. Whether it is at our work, church, community, in our families/friendships...ANYWHERE!


This last point makes me think of one of my most favorite songs:

Chris Tomlin's: I will follow you. 

With our past move and this recent Bible study, we can see what God has us doing here in Hawaii. We were scared and excited all at the same time for the big move. We were unsure as to what we would be doing and how things would work out so many miles from home. We asked so many questions: When would Janell get a job and where? Where would we we live? How can we afford to live in Hawaii? Are we going to find any friends? What church will we go to? Will we be able to live this far away from all of our family and friends?

I tried to plan out all these things to help with the move: I applied for dozens of jobs, and searched hundreds of apartment listings. Nonetheless, all my plans fell through. It's our nature to try to plan ahead, right? We want to be prepared. But looking back, all the things I tried to line up, failed. It was a hard lesson to learn but once we had faith that God would provide, HE did. God quickly provided for our needs in a much bigger way than we could have ever known we needed. Seeing this happen first hand in our lives helps us realize that no matter where we end up next, God is already working to prepare us for that place. Our God is an Awesome God!

I just want to challenge everyone this week to really search out God (ex. at work, Church, in your family), and pray for an open heart to follow HIM wherever he may need you. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Don't have excuses like Moses who said, "God, I cannot speak like my brother Aaron" rather say "I am ready for where you want to send me, I will follow you!" 

Where could God be sending you? Will you be ready to go where He needs you?


Happy Monday,

Janell

PS. Happy Birthday, Kim :)